Rising South African star Naledi Aphiwe is looking for a fresh start as she prepares to cross the border for her first-ever performance in Zimbabwe. The Ngyabonga hitmaker is set to headline the star-studded Ama2kFest in Harare on April 4, 2026, sharing the stage with Nigerian sensation Ruger and Mzansi’s own Scotts Maphuma.
However, the road to Harare has been bumpy, with old social media tensions resurfacing just as her booking was announced.
Mending Fences: From Backlash to Apology
The excitement surrounding Naledi’s debut was initially dampened when internet sleuths dug up an old post where the singer allegedly responded harshly to a Zimbabwean fan. The resulting digital fallout prompted a swift public apology from the young artist.
Now, with the performance date loooming, Naledi is taking a proactive approach to ensure her visit is defined by music rather than past mistakes.
A Sincere Plea on TikTok
In a viral video promoting the festival, Naledi bypassed the usual high-energy hype to deliver a vulnerable message directly to her Zimbabwean followers:
“Hey guys, I have exciting news… I am coming to Zimbabwe. Please be kind, it’s my first time in Zimbabwe. Please be gentle. I love you guys so much.”
The “please be gentle” plea seems to have struck a chord. While some online critics remain skeptical, a significant wave of Zimbabwean fans has responded with “Ubuntu,” encouraging others to forgive the young star and welcome her with open arms.
Show Details: Ama2kFest 2026
- Date: 4 April 2026
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Lineup: Ruger (Nigeria), Scotts Maphuma (SA), Naledi Aphiwe (SA)
